National Volunteer Month — a message from our CEO

NEWS

April is National Volunteer Month, a special time of year when we recognize and celebrate all who generously donate their time and energy to make the world a better place. The dedication of volunteer court appointed special advocates and guardians ad litem to improve the lives of children and families involved in the court system is unmatched. We currently have 939 state organizations and local programs nationwide with nearly 100,000 volunteers who make this vital work possible.

Our network of volunteers donates hundreds of thousands of hours each year to advocate for children who experience abuse or neglect. CASA/GAL volunteers attend in-depth training and ongoing professional development to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to effectively support the children, youth and families they serve. By staying in close, frequent contact with the families they support, as well as child welfare and legal representatives, teachers, coaches, counselors and others in the child’s life, CASA volunteers paint a complete picture to give judges all the information they need to make well-informed decisions that are in the best interest of each child.

April is also National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an important time to remember our commitment and obligation to advocate on behalf of children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect. CASA/GAL volunteers walk beside children who have lived through traumatic events, offering consistent and high-quality advocacy as children and their families navigate changing circumstances.

Studies show that children and families who have a CASA/GAL volunteer receive more services that are critical to their well-being than children who don’t. One of the guiding principles in the development of our soon-to-be-released strategic plan is to serve all eligible children with best interest advocacy by 2030.

If you are a CASA/GAL volunteer, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have given of yourself to better the life of another person. Some of you do this in addition to many other roles you play. You have my deepest admiration.

If you have not yet had a chance to learn about becoming a CASA/GAL volunteer, I encourage you to learn more about becoming a CASA/GAL volunteer today.

Tara Lisa Perry
CEO, National CASA/GAL Association for Children